5 Ways Graphene Will Change Gadgets Forever

The future of technology could hinge on a single material. The industry is currently buzzing over the potential of graphene, which is the strongest, slimmest and most malleable material in known existence. Graphene, which is a form of carbon, could change the way our devices look, feel, perform--and even interact with our bodies. Here's how this sensational substance will influence the world of tech.

Stronger Than Steel

Smartphones like the LG G Flex can heal themselves from minor scrapes and scratches, but graphene should take durability to the next level. The material is purportedly 100 times stronger than steel. According to the American Chemical Society, graphene achieves this strength because its carbon atoms are arranged in two-dimensional sheets.

Researchers at Columbia University told the The New York Timesthat graphene could stretch by 20 percent. In other words, it's pliable just like rubber. Samsung's Advanced Institute of Technology has been experimenting with graphene transistors, which would allow for easy production of flexible displays on both wearable devices and handsets.

Graphene is also resistant to water, so the material could potentially usher in a new generation of waterproof devices whose chassis may not need to be sealed like today's devices.

The Lightest, Thinnest Devices Ever

According to a study from the American Chemical Society, graphene is thin enough to stretch over 28 football fields. The material holds a ton of tech potential, as we could someday see paper-thin smartphones and tablets that you can fold up when not in use.

A video posted on the Times' website shows a block of graphene powder balancing on top of flower--and you don't see a petal move or bend.

Incredible Battery Life

Graphene will likely influence not just how our devices look, but how long they last. Northwestern University researchers built a battery made of graphene and silicon, which supposedly lasted over a week on a single charge and only took 15 minutes to juice up. If graphene goes mainstream, you could possibly leave your smartphone charger home when traveling.

According to Dr. Aravind Vijayaraghavan at the University of Manchester, graphene has the potential to interact with your biological systems. This would take today's fitness-tracking tech to all new heights, as graphene sensors could possibly scan your nervous system or "talk to your cells," according to the Times. Mainstream devices like the Samsung Galaxy S5 are showing a commitment to fitness features, and widespread graphene production could help make health-conscious devices the standard.

Outlook

Aside from its physical benefits, graphene is also one of the cheapest materials around. With Samsung, Nokia, SanDisk and IBM investigating uses for graphene (along with universities), we could soon see a host of exciting new devices that are stronger, lighter and cheaper for manufacturers and consumer alike.